"Computer science empowers students to create the world of tomorrow"
Satya Nadella
The Computing and IT curriculum offers our students a dynamic range of skills and experience to prepare them for a future in the digital world.
Computer Science challenges students to deepen their knowledge of computer systems, programming, algorithmic thinking and logic, enhancing their ability and competence in project management. KS5 enriches the learning experience with additional programming languages such as SQL, C# and Javascript enabling students to explore and develop computational solutions that model real world problems.
At KS5, students advance their knowledge and expertise in IT and global information and increase proficiency in using software applications such as Dreamweaver and App inventor. Theory and practical is balanced to enable our students to become resilient analytical thinkers and problem solvers, with Interventions that take place to ensure progress is made with all students.
The curriculum at all key stages enriches digital literacy and competence to solve real world problems, preparing our students for their next steps in further education or employment.
Impact
- IT and computing pathways allow students the opportunity to be creative, competent and ambitious, aspiring in the career path of their choice. The fundamentals of IT, skills, knowledge and practical experience of using software applications is the core of preparing students to become active participants in the future workplace and digital era. Spreadsheets and Augmented Reality are examples of applications taught to develop solutions in relevant contexts which include real world scenarios.
Implementation
- At KS3, all students are engaged with a broad and varied curriculum to equip them with knowledge to use the internet safely and be aware of the dangers and misuse of technology. Basic programming principals are taught through 2D and 3D game development environments such as Scratch, Gamemaker and Kudo Game Lab. Further development of programming skills and the principles of problem solving are incorporated through learning Python, a high level programming language and HTML. The fundamental concepts of programming are mastered through block based and text based languages formulating a firm base to excel at KS4.
Academic Journey - KS3 IT
Year 7 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| E-Safety and school network | E-Safety and school network |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Scratch - Sequencing instructions | Kudo - Introducing coding |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Kudo - Introducing coding | BBC MicroBit |
Year 8 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Introducing Python language | Introducing Python language |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Gamemaker - Sequencing instructions | Gamemaker - Sequencing instructions |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Modelling - Spreadsheets | Coding in HTML/ Web design |
Year 9 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Spreadsheet modelling in greater depth | Spreadsheet modelling in greater depth |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Understanding how IT projects work | Understanding the threats to data |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Understanding software uses | Augmented reality |
Academic Journey - KS4 IT
Year 10 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| R060 - Planning and designing the spreadsheet solution | R060 - Creating the spreadsheet solution |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| R060 - Testing the spreadsheet solution. Evaluating the spreadsheet solution. NEA | R070 - Augmented Reality (AR) |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| R070 - Designing an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype |
R070 - Creating an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype |
Year 11 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| R070 - Testing and reviewing the AR. NEA | R050 - Design Tools. Human Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| R050 - Data and testing. Cyber-security and legislation | R050 - Digital Communications. Internet of Everything (IoE) |
| Half Term 5 | |
| R050 - Exam prep |
Academic Journey - Sixth Form IT
Year 12 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Understand computer hardware. Understand where information is held globally and how it is transmitted. | Understand computer software. Understand the styles, classification and the management of global information. |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Understand business IT systems. Understand the use of global information and the benefits to individuals and organisations. | Understand employability and communication skills used in an IT environment. Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing the storage and use of global information. |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Understand ethical and operational issues and threats to computer systems. Understand the process flow of information. | Unit 1 and 2 exam |
Year 13 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Coursework. Unit 6 - Application design. Unit 9 - Product development. Unit 21 - Web design prototype. | Coursework. Unit 6 - Application design. Unit 9 - Product development. Unit 21 - Web design prototype. |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Coursework. Unit 6 - Application design. Unit 9 - Product development. Unit 21 - Web design prototype. | Coursework. Unit 6 - Application design. Unit 9 - Product development. Unit 21 - Web design prototype. |
| Half Term 5 | |
| Coursework. Unit 6 - Application design. Unit 9 - Product development. Unit 21 - Web design prototype. |
Academic Journey - Computer Science
Year 9 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Python projects 1-6 | Python projects 7-13 |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Logical operators | Searching and sorting algorithms |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Boolean logic Designing, creating and refining algorithms |
GCSE exam question practice |
Year 10 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| J277 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming | J277 - Computer systems |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| J277 - System security | J277 - Wired and wireless networks |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| J277 - Data representation | J277 - Ethics |
Year 11 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| J277 - Computational logic | J277 - Programming techniques |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 - 5 |
| NEA | Exam Prep |
Academic Journey - Sixth Form Computer Science
Year 12 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Computer Components. Data structures | Systems software. Boolean Algebra |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Software development. Computational thinking | Exchanging data. Algorithms |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Networks and web technologies | Data types |
Year 13 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues | NEA |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 - 5 |
| NEA | Exam prep |
